Comparative Evaluation of Broilers Raised on Four Different Commercial Feeds Available in Anyigba, Kogi State

Abstract

Four commercial feeds coded as T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ were assigned to broilers. Each of the treatments had 24 birds and was replicated thrice in a Completely Randomized Design. Results for starter phase showed significant (p<0.05/p<0.01)differences across all the performance parameters measured. Final weight of birds in T₁ was significantly (p<0.01) higher than those on the other treatments. Total weight gain was statistically similar for treatments T1, T2,and T3. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed cost/kg gain were obtained for birds in T₃. At the finisher phase,apart from the weight gains (total, weekly and daily), all the other parameters were significantly (p<0.05/p<0.01) affected by the treatments. Final weight of birds on T₁ was significantly (p<0.01) higher than those for other treatments. The best FCR and feed cost/kg gain were obtained with birds on T₄. Results of carcass and organ weights showed that live weight, carcass weight, back weight and head weight were significantly (p<0.05) affected by experimental diets. The farmer, who depends on commercial feeds and who wants his birds to reach market weight at the shortest possible time should consider T₁. A farmer who wishes to produce birds at cheaper cost not minding the time the birds take to attain market weight should consider T₃.